He leased part of Frogmoor Wharf, the Grand Union Canal, from Robert Grosvenor, 2nd Baron Ebury.
They were one of the major producers of narrow boats for the English canal network.
The site was sold for redevelopment to Tesco in June 1989.
Boats were built for Fellows Morton & Clayton, the Grand Union Canal Carrying Company, Cadbury of Bournville and Wander of Kings Langley, the manufacturers of Ovaltine.
No more new boats were built after World War II.